A series of mindfulness walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside around Settle. Experience a deeper connection with your own inner landscape during these mostly silent walks as well as with the outer world through which you journey.

From that deeper connection, you will be able to express yourself in writing with greater clarity and assurance. You will develop a new approach to your writing. One that will be less frenetic and more focused. The retreat will enable you to write with your true and focused voice.

Skilled facilitators will help you deepen your mindfulness, your capacity to be in the present moment, and your ability to express that on the page.

You will learn:

To apply mindfulness techniques to your creative writing

Tools to help you find your own voice with your writing and techniques to sustaine this

To place mindfulness at the heart of your creative writing

This retreat is for you, if you:

Want to develop a regular mindfulness practice

Want to develop your creative writing

Wish to find your voice as a writer

Desire peace and reflection, away from your everyday

Wish to reconnect with your true self

Are feeling stuck creatively and would like the chance to experiment and play in supportive surroundings

Are looking for tools and techniques that will sustain you in your everyday life

Are in need of rejuventation and renewal

Facilitators

Sita Brand

Sita listens deeply, replies honestly and values the individual. Student of world renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, she is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and has practiced mindfulness meditation for 20 years. She has taught meditation and mindfulness in a range of places including prisons and runs retreats. She has a Diploma in Positive Impact Coaching and is a trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She has 20 years experience of working in the arts and facilitating workshops for adults and young people. She has performed internationally as a storyteller and is the founder and Director of Settle Stories.

Pete Armstrong

Pete has a thirst for truth and clarity of thought. After a degree in English at Oxford he has pursued ‘a career of understanding’ which includes working as a community worker, as a psychotherapist, in public health and in the voluntary sector. As a long time student and teacher of meditation and the inner path, he uses mindfulness to guide his creative journey. In his role as a poet and writer, his work is known for its insight, humour and wisdom.

Where will the retreat take place?

Set amidst the stunning scenery of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. The retreat will be based at Settle Stories new home, The Joinery, in the heart of Settle. Settle is accessible by train. By car, Settle is just off the A65 and is an hour from Bradford, and 1h 20m from Manchester, 50 mins from Lancaster.